Indian Navy keen on fielding indigenous n-sub at international fleet review

New Delhi: As the country gears up for the International Fleet Review (IFR), the Indian Navy is keen to ready the indigenous nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant before the event, scheduled for February 2016.

INS Arihant, a 6,000-tonne submarine is at present undergoing sea trials and is likely to soon undertake weapon’s trials.

While the navy is tightlipped on INS Arihant’s participation in the International Fleet Review (IFR), a senior officer, on condition of anonymity, told IANS that efforts are on to get the boat ready before the event.

The officer, however, added that there will be no compromise with trials as safety is the primary concern.

“We want the submarine to be ready before the IFR. But, at the same time, there cannot be any compromise in the trials. Safety is of paramount importance,” the officer said.

“If it passes through all the trials before February, there will be nothing like it,” he said.

INS Arihant is the lead ship of India’s Arihant-class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines that was launched in 2009.

While it was initially expected to go on sea trials by 2012, this happened only last December.

Although the trials have been going fine since then, no stone is being left unturned to ensure the vessel is fully battle-ready.

“The trials are so far totally smooth. But there is no scope for mistakes; so we can only try that the boat is ready by year-end,” the officer said.

Asked if INS Arihant will participate in the IFR, the navy chief, Admiral R.K. Dhowan, at a press conference this week, said this was not certain.

Once inducted, the submarine will help the country complete its nuclear triad, giving it the capability to respond to nuclear strikes from sea, land and air-based systems.

The project is being undertaken under the advanced technology vessel (ATV) programme under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and involving agencies and establishments such as the DRDO, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Submarine Design Group of the Directorate of Naval Design, besides companies such as L&T.

Its design is based on the Russian Akula-1 class submarine and its 83MW pressurised water reactor has been built with significant Russian assistance.

While its 100-member crew has been trained by Russian specialists, Indian scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have received significant expertise in reducing the size of the reactor to fit it into the submarine’s 10 metre diameter hull.

India currently operates the Russian-origin nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra, which is on a 10-year lease since 2012.

Nuclear submarines have the capability to stay out in the sea for longer.
Over 50 countries are expected to participate in the International Fleet Review to be held February 4-8, 2016.
Some 90 ships are expected to participate in the review.(Anjali Ojha, IANS)

The roots of Indian Navy can be traced back to the 17th-century. Wikimedia Commons

NEW DELHI: India is the seventh-largest country in the world and owns the coastline of 7,516.6 km. Here comes the role of the Indian navy, which is responsible for safeguarding and securing such an enormous coastal area. Navy always holds a very strategic role in a country like India.

Indian navy is a prodigious name in itself and budding force to reckon with. Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India and works along with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. It is the fifth largest Navy and is considered as one of the strongest navies around the world. The headquarters of Navy is located in New Delhi.

Indian Navy is also known by the name of Bharatiya Nau Sena. The naval persons are no less than the superheroes. Their constant will to serve the nation and sheer dedication are commendable.

The current flag of Indian Navy incorporates St. George’s Cross design, a part of the Union Jack. Wikimedia CommonsThe current flag of Indian Navy incorporates St. George’s Cross design, a part of the Union Jack. Wikimedia Commons

Indian Navy Day is celebrated on 4 December and the motto of the naval force is ‘Sham No Varunaḥ’, which means “may the Lord of the water be auspicious unto us”. The current flag of Indian Navy incorporates St. George’s Cross design, a part of the Union Jack.

The roots of Indian Navy can be traced back to the 17th-century. Initially, British East India Company established the naval fleet in India, under the name of East India Company’s Marine in 1612. Later on, it was renamed as Royal Indian Navy but soon after the independence, Royal Indian Navy became Indian Navy.

Indian Navy is headed by the Chief of Naval Staff. Other high ranks in Navy include Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Personnel etc.

India’s first aircraft carrier was INS Vikrant. INS Viraat of the Indian navy is the largest aircraft carrier in India.

Ezhimala Naval Academy in Kerala is the largest naval academy in the whole of Asia.

MARCOS is the special operation unit of the Indian Navy. Wikimedia Commons

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The Navy works under three commands: Western Command in Mumbai, Eastern Command in Vishakhapatnam and Southern Command in Cochin. All these commands are headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

MARCOS or Marine Commandos are the special operations unit of Indian navy like the Para unit of Army. It is one of the most distinguished and efficient special forces in the world. The force is acknowledged ‘Dadiwala fauj‘ by the various terrorist groups, due to as known by their bearded disguises in civil areas. The dropout rate is about 90 percent, which makes it really difficult to make the cut.

Ezhimala Naval Academy in Kerala is the largest naval academy in the whole of Asia. Wikimedia Commons

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During the Britsh rule in 1946, 20,000 Indian sailors rebelled against the British policies of discrimination and trial of ex-INA soldiers. But unfortunately, the mutiny was suppressed due to inadequate support from the INC and Muslim League.

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Indian Navy has a dedicated multi-brand communication satellite called GSAT – 7. It was launched by ISRO to help Indian Navy in acquiring the blue water capabilities in a much better way.

The Naval soldiers of the Indian Navy have successfully completed an expedition to the North Pole and the South Pole.

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The first independent operation of the Indian Navy’s was against Portuguese Navy during the liberation of Goa in 1961.

The first Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy was Vice Admiral Ram Dass Katari who assumed the office on April 22, 1958.

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All the ships of Indian Navy are prefixed with INS which means Indian Naval Ship or Indian Navy Station.

There are 11 destroyers deployed by the Indian Navy. Wikimedia Commons

Indian Navy keeps itself abreast of any adversity by striking a balance between its warships, aircrafts and patrol vessels. The current operational fleet of the Indian navy consists of 1 aircraft carrier, 11 destroyers, 14 frigates, 24 corvettes and 16 submarines. Aiming high on ‘Make in India’ program, most Navy ships and submarines are now manufactured indigenously.